Join in

Come and join in…

There are plenty of ways to join in and become involved in the life of this fun and dynamic parish.

Whether you have a couple of hours to spare every now and again or more significant amounts of time, a number of our groups offer all kinds of opportunities to meet new people and play a part in parish life.

Bible Study and Prayer Groups

From Advent book groups to Lent addresses, quiet days, prayer and meditation meetings and regular monthly Bible study sessions there is plenty in Wanstead Parish for all ages to keep our shared journeys in the faith both vibrant and real. To find out more please speak to a member of the ministry team.

Bell ringing

Ringers of all ages are always welcome to help call people to church as well as ringing for weddings and other special occasions.

Choir & Junior Choir

We have both a junior choir for children aged 7+ and an adult choir who sing at the 10am and 11am services on Sundays. The choirs follow The Royal School of Church Music’s Voice for Life Scheme and practice on a Friday evening (6.45-7.45pm for Junior Choir and 7.45-9.00pm for Adult choir).

Children’s groups

Our ministry to children and young people throughout the week is a vital part of our parish life. We are always on the look out for new volunteers to help.

Church opening

Christ Church is open every Wednesday and Saturday morning from 9.30am-12.30pm, allowing visitors to look around or find some peace. Staying open requires volunteers to be on site.

Church flowers

The flower arranging team ensures that we always have flowers on display apart from Lent and Advent. Extra help is needed at Easter and Christmas –no previous experience required!

Gardening

Meeting alternate Saturday mornings from 9am to 1pm, we enjoy a few hours of healthy and sociable exercise tending the lovely gardens at Christ Church and St Mary’s. Nothing too strenuous, it’s just a bit of fun and all ages are welcome.

Mothers Union

The Mothers Union promotes family life for all through an active programme of social events and informative speakers at our meetings.

Serving team

Our group of servers play a big part in our Sunday services, helping to lead our worship. There’s a role for everyone.

Bereavement Cafe

Meeting in the vestry at Christ Church on the third Tuesday of each month from 10.45am to 12.30pm, this informal drop-in cafe has been designed to offer a space for conversation around bereavement, grief and loss whether recent or long term.

Snaresbrook Crown Court

We offer a Chaplaincy service at Snaresbrook Crown Court from 12-2pm daily and train all chaplaincy volunteers.

The Friends of St Mary with Christ Church

A membership group set up as a fundraising arm of the PCC to ‘maintain, repair, restore, improve, beautify and preserve the fabric, monuments, fixtures, fittings, furniture, stained glass, ornaments and other chattels, of the Churches of St Mary the Virgin and Christ Church Wanstead, for the benefit of the public.’ The Friends run an extremely dynamic and fun programme of events each year, from the annual Jazz Night to the Dog Show. It’s is a great way to meet a huge range of people in the parish – and have a lot of fun in doing so.

Social Committee

This fun filled group helps to foster fellowship in our church community by offering hospitality at church services and by arranging a wide range of fun events and outings suitable for all ages.

World Church Committee

Looks at the world-wide nature and mission of the Church and involves each member of the congregation as a partner in that mission. The committee makes recommendations about our charitable giving and international links, as well as organising events and activities to raise awareness.

Interested in joining any of our committees?Get in touch with the parish office